A new study conducted in Sweden has revealed how theDrug pollution can deeply influence the behavior of young Atlantic salmon during their migration to the sea. Published in the magazine Sciencethe research is the most complete ever carried out on the field in this area.
The researchers administered a 279 Salmon a controlled dose of clobazama drug anxiolytic and sedative commonly found in waterways. This happened through Slow release systemswhich have made it possible to realisticly monitor the effects of exposure. Following the fish during the migration of 28 kilometers from the river from up to the Baltic Sea, the scientists observed surprising changes in behavior.
In particular, the salmon exposed to the drug have shown a more attitude individualist and risky: they have Avoid swimming in desks and they faced quickly obstacles along the journey, like the Hydroelectric damswithout waiting for others. This behavior has led to a greater success rate in reaching the sea, but experts point out that. Each alteration of natural behavior can in fact have serious repercussions on the ecosystem.
Psychoactive medicines arouse particular concern
Atlantic salmon, classified as threatened species In some areas of Europe from the IUCN, they perform this migration to reach the open waters where they feed and grow, before returning to lay the eggs in the rivers. Changing this life cycle with the influence of drugs could compromise the survival of the species.
According to the authors of the study, i pharmaceutical residues present in the waters derive from production, consumption and disposal improper of medicines. To date, they have been detected beyond 900 different substances in lakes and rivers around the world. THE Psychoactive medicinessuch as anxiolytics, antidepressants and analgesics, arouse particular concern about their ability to alter the brain function of animals.
Despite the progress in the technologies of advanced purificationfew countries have implemented effective systems to reduce this form of pollution. Need more severe regulationsinvestments in infrastructure and the development of a green chemistrycapable of producing drugs More biodegradable And less persistent in the environment. This study represents an alarm bell on the growing hidden impact of drugs on the natural environment.
